Here are our most frequently asked questions when purchasing a boat or about general boating life.

1: What are the different stern types to choose from?

On narrowboats, there are 3 main stern types. These are traditional, semi-traditional and cruiser. Although the traditional stern narrowboat has less external space, they are far more spacious internally. As the name suggests, Cruiser narrowboats are ideal for cruising along the waterways. Finally, the semi-traditional boat is a happy medium between the traditional and cruiser boats. 

2: I’ve seen a boat that I like, what do I do next?

That’s great. Head over to our contact page to fill in an enquiry form, or alternatively, speak to our friendly team on 0151 374 2985.

3: How much budget do I need to buy a boat?

This would entirely depend on the type of boat you’d like and your choice of lifestyle. If you are looking to live onboard then you’ll most likely need more space and mod cons, therefore you would need a bigger budget to accommodate the requirements. 

4: Can I get involved with the build of the boat?

Yes. If you have experience in interior design, you may want to consider fitting the boat out yourself. The best boat option for this would be to go for one of our Sailaway lines.

5: How long does it take to build the boat?

This would depend on the specification of the boat you’d like. The bigger the size and requirements of the boat, the longer it shall take to build. At Collingwood, we estimate our boat building process takes approximately 6-12 weeks to complete.

6: How will my boat get delivered?

At Collingwood, we organise the delivery of your boat to your preferred location in the UK. We can provide a competitive quote for your boat to be delivered.

7: Do I need to pay council tax if I live onboard?

Canal and River Trust licences: Costs depend on your boat’s size, but as an idea, a 40ft vessel is just over £700 per year. Boat Safety Scheme: This is like an MOT for your boat and costs approximately £87.50 per year. Council tax: If your boat is moored permanently, it will typically be in the lowest tax band. For more information, please visit the Canal River Trust.

8:  Where can I moor my Narrowboat?

There are various sites across the UK that offer mooring docks. The costs will vary depending on the location and facilities the mooring site offers. Visit the Canal River Trust website for more information.

9: What is short-stay mooring?

Mooring periods that are less than 14 days are known as short-stay moorings. These tend to be most popular as it allows boaters to enjoy the location and mooring site during a cruise. Short-stay moorings are also known as visitor moorings.